Dos And Don’ts When Getting Rid Of A Christmas Tree

There’s no substitute for a real Christmas tree. While artificial trees have come a long way, and they certainly have their benefits, there’s nothing quite like a fragrant evergreen displayed in the living room throughout the holidays. Once the festive season is over, getting rid of a dying tree in your home can be a messy headache if you don’t know how to dispose of it properly.

Before you dispose of your Christmas tree, ensure you remove all ornaments, lights, and other decorations, and empty the water dish. Line the floor around the tree with sheets to minimize needle mess and create a clear pathway between the tree and the door. Research disposal methods and tree pickup days before removing your tree, and enlist help whenever possible. For an eco-friendly solution, consider mulching or composting the tree.

Cleaning up after the holidays can be a long and laborious process, especially if you do a lot of decorating. Getting rid of a real Christmas tree is often one of the most complicated tasks when you pack away holiday items, but there are many ways to make tree disposal seamless and straightforward. Below is a list of tips to remember when you dispose of your Christmas tree after the holidays, as well as things you should avoid in the process.

10 Tips To Remember When Throwing Out A Christmas Tree

1. Remove All Ornaments And Lights 

The first step in disposing your Christmas tree is to remove all ornaments and other decorations. The last thing you want to do is throw away a sentimental or expensive ornament. In most cases, it’s easiest to start from the bottom and work your way to the top.

Carefully take down the Christmas lights after you remove the ornaments. Never tug hard on the tree, as this can cause needles to cascade to the floor, creating a mess. 

2. Line The Floors With Plastic Or Sheets

The most annoying aspect of removing a dying Christmas tree from the home is usually the inevitable trail of pine needles it leaves behind. While there is no way to avoid a mess altogether, there are ways to minimize it.

Use a plastic tarp, large plastic bags, or an old bed sheet to line the floor before you begin work to remove your Christmas tree. This allows needles and twigs to fall on the sheets rather than your floor. Once the tree is outside, you can roll up the sheet and bring it outside to shake off the debris.

3. Drain The Water Bowl

It’s easy to forget about the water bowl as you get ready to dispose of your tree. After all, it’s usually hidden from view. It is, however, crucial that you remove the water bowl and empty it before you begin moving your tree. Failure to do so can result in a large puddle of messy water on your floor.

4. Ask For Help

Christmas trees are hard to handle and awkwardly shaped. It is difficult to bring them into the house, and as they age and before they become brittle over the winter holidays, they are even more challenging to handle. When possible, it’s always better to use four hands, rather than two, when you dispose of your tree.

Helping hands lowers the risk of injury and likely speeds up the process. The quicker you get the tree outside, the less mess you are likely to make.

5. Research Disposal Options In Advance

Getting rid of your Christmas tree isn’t something you should do on a whim. Instead, thoroughly research your disposal options and then make the best decision as to when to get rid of the tree.

Some municipalities have ta ree pickup service on certain days after Christmas, while others have designated locations where you can drop off your tree. Once you determine which method is right for you, pencil it into your calendar and stick to the plan.

6. Composting Is An Option

If you compost, consider adding your Christmas tree to your winter compost pile. Use pruning shears to remove branches, and a small saw to cut the trunk into manageable pieces.

Your Christmas tree can add lots of nutrients to your compost pile, and it’s a very environmentally friendly way to dispose of it. It also means you don’t have to wait for any specific day to drag it out to the curb, or bring it across town to a dump site.

7. Trim Wide Branches In Advance

If you purchased a large Christmas tree, it’s usually a good idea to trim it down before trying to fit it through your front door. Trim the widest branches down, and if possible, you can even cut the top portion of the tree off. When you make the tree shorter and thinner, it will be easier to handle.

8. Create Ample Walking Space From The Tree To The Door

You want to create a straight, safe line between your Christmas tree and the front door. In some cases, you may need to shift furniture and open doors in advance. The wider the path you can create, the better. You want as much room as possible to maneuver, in case you need to make wide turns or adjust your route.

9. Turn Your Tree Into Mulch

If you have access to a wood chipper, creating your own mulch is another excellent, eco-friendly option for disposing a Christmas trees. Pine mulch and its needles make for quality mulch, and it also smells great. Best of all, it’s a good idea to add a fresh layer of mulch to your winter landscaping, as it protects the ground and plants from harsh winter weather.

10. Wear Gardening Gloves

Christmas trees have pointed needles and rough bark. Touching a dying Christmas tree with your bare hands is never a good idea. Instead, always wear durable gardening gloves when you remove a Christmas tree from your home. Gloves will minimize the risk of cutting yourself in the process. You should also wear a durable work jacket or at least a thick long-sleeve shirt to protect your arms from getting scratched.

Five Things To Avoid When Throwing Out Your Christmas Tree

1. Don’t Put The Tree On The Curb On The Wrong Day

One rookie mistake to avoid when getting rid of a Christmas tree is to put it on the curb too early. If your community has a Christmas tree removal service, then you should follow the instructions carefully. 

In most cases, you shouldn’t put a tree on the curb more than one day in advance. Failure to comply with these rules may result in a fine or warning and may irritate some of your neighbors.

2. Don’t Leave Your Tree Up Beyond Early January

It’s hard to let go of the Christmas spirit, but you mustn’t hold on to your living tree for too long. Eventually, even the most resilient tree will dry up, shed its needles, and become a sad and messy tree carcass.

As a rule of thumb, you should plan to get rid of your Christmas tree sometime close to New Year’s Day. This ensures you will get rid of it before it completely dies.

3. Never Dump Your Tree Where It Doesn’t Belong

You should always research and follow proper protocol for Christmas tree removal. Never dump a tree in a field, the woods, or at the local dump. This is disrespectful and can result in potential fines. 

4. Don’t Burn The Tree In A Fireplace Or Fire Pit

If you have an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, you might be tempted to chop up your Christmas tree and light it on fire. Resist this urge. Christmas trees contain very little wood, but a lot of needles. Lighting a tree on fire will result in a lot of smoke and crackling, and not in a good way. If you want to use a natural disposal method, opt for composting or mulching.

5. Never Leave Tinsel And Other Decorations On The Tree

Don’t be lazy and leave tinsel and other disposable decorations on your tree. In many cases, these trees are recycled and turned into mulch or other products. When you leave metal or plastic decorations on the tree, you make extra work for others, and the tree could even end up in a landfill as a result.

Summing Up The Dos And Don’ts Of Christmas Tree Disposal 

Putting away your Christmas decor might be a bummer, but getting rid of your Christmas tree doesn’t have to be messy or complicated. Before you get rid of your Christmas tree, remember to remove all ornaments, empty the water bowl, and place sheets around the tree to avoid a mess on the floor. Clear a wide path between the tree and the door, enlist help, and remember to wear gloves and protective clothing.

Research the tree removal methods and schedule in your area in advance, and plan accordingly. Never burn your tree in an outdoor fire. Eco-friendly ways to dispose of your tree include adding it to your compost pile or turning it into mulch with a wood chipper.

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